Govt seeks public feedback on Pacific Hwy upgrade

THE environmental impact statement for the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade is now on public display.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said it would allow community feedback.

"The EIS provides the most detailed description to date of the construction work needed to build the proposed upgrade and how the highway would function once it is built," Mr Albanese said.

"This process provides an opportunity for communities along the highway to give their feedback on the potential impacts of the upgrade and request more information about the project.

"As well as improving road safety, the proposed alignment of this section of the highway will shorten the driving distance between the two towns from 180 kilometres to 167 kilometres - reducing travel times for the 10,000 motorists who use this road every day."

The statement covers issues such as Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage, flooding, soils, sediment and water quality, ecology and biodiversity, noise and land use, and property effects.

NSW Minister for Roads, Duncan Gay, said 40 public displays had been set up along the route, including Corindi, Grafton, Maclean, Woodburn and Broadwater.

"I really urge stakeholders to visit one of the displays, or better yet attend one of the nine information sessions being held in the next few weeks where individuals can ask questions directly of the project team," Mr Gay said.

For more details on the information sessions contact the project line on 1800 778 900 (toll free) or visit the project website.

The EIS display will be open for community comment until Monday 4 February 2013, and community members are also invited to make a written submission on any aspect of the project described in the statement.